Helen Houser says COA’s Memory Enhancement Workshop at The Shores United Methodist Church is part of the reason her recovery from brain surgery at age 87 has been so successful.

“I had been attending the COA memory program for a few years and was really enjoying it,” she explains. “But a few months ago, I took a fall, which resulted in the need to alleviate some cranial pressure. They drilled four holes in my skull and drained some fluid, so I had to take a little time off. I was looking forward to coming back though, and it took me about six weeks, but now here I am — back again and happy to be here.”

Why the rush?

“Well, this is my incentive to get up and get going every morning,” Helen said, laughing. “What else would I do? Sit in my parlor and feel sorry for myself?”

Michele Sanchez is the manager of the COA Memory Enhancement Workshops and says the need for memory care services is increasing every day. “There are so many people in our county who are experiencing changes in brain function and who are wondering what these changes mean and how they can cope with them. They are not alone and COA can help. Thanks to community partnerships with area churches and civic groups, we are now able to offer Memory Enhancement in every segment of St. Johns County.”

Michele describes the Memory Enhancement Workshop as using a variety of proven strategies to actually create new neuro-pathways in the brain. “These exercises can be as basic as using your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth or comb your hair.

“Some of the modalities we incorporate in our workshops may seem simple on the surface but are much more complex in the way they address cognitive issues,” Michele adds. To maximize the benefits of memory enhancement workshops, attendance at each center is limited to 10 participants. Each class is facilitated by two COA staff members and at least one volunteer.

Bob Kielbasa is another participant in the workshops. The strong, silent type, Bob has been with the group for about 3 ½ years. Until recently, he even enjoyed the distinction of being the only man in a room full of women. There is a lot of laughter and friendly conversation when asked how the women have been treating him. Bob looks around with a smile and says: “They are all doing just fine.”

In addition to this workshop, others are offered at Ancient City Baptist Church, Anastasia Baptist Church, COA’s Coastal Community Center, Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, The South Ponte Vedra Civic Association and Fruit Cove Baptist Church.

Call Michele Sanchez at 729-9535 for details. And go to the COA Memory Resource Center at memorysourcesjc.com.